Biodegradable Ocean-Friendly Sunscreens - Healthy For You And The Planet

Conventional sunscreens were created to do one thing and one thing only, protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Over time, extended use of conventional sunscreens formulated with harsh chemicals may have an entirely different effect not only on your skin but also on natural plant and aquatic life living in our oceans, rivers and lakes. On the contrary, sunscreens formulated with entirely natural, chemical-free substances utilizing mineral-based ingredients are completely safe for the environment as well as gentle on skin.

One particular organism being affected is our coral reefs, which are among the most biologically productive ecosystems in the world. Scientists have reported that chemical-based sunscreens may be accountable for dying coral reefs. It has been reported that four widely used sunscreen ingredients activate viruses that kill the algae that feed off the coral.

The four chemicals in question:

Oxybenzone Benzophenone-3

Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate)

4-Methyl-Benzylidencamphor (4-MBC)

Butylparaben (used to preserve the sunscreen product)

According to the scientists up to 6,000 tons of sunscreen wash off swimmers every year.

Marine Scientists link sunscreen to coral bleaching. Coral is an aquatic, stone-like structure that has cracks and crevices inhabited by colorful symbiotic organisms called zooxanthanellae (an algae). Bleaching, generated by changing ocean temperatures, pollution, and bacterial pathogens, is the process in which hard coral loses its desirable tenants, leaving behind bare, white rock; without the algae, the coral turns white and dies.

To stop the destruction of our precious coral reefs, scientists are recommending that sunscreen users choose a sunscreen with safe-chemical-free ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as active ingredients. They also recommend choosing a biodegradable sunscreen that easily breaks down in seawater without causing harm to our ecosystem.

Natural sunscreens made with biodegradable ingredients decompose naturally and easily with time, as opposed to the long-lasting effects of chemical-based sunscreens.

True Natural sunscreens are a smart alternative to standard sunscreens. Made with all renewable and natural ingredients, True Natural offers U.S. consumers a uniquely safe, effective, and natural sunscreen option that's great for the environment.

True Natural's 100% natural sunscreens are also mineral-based, offering myriad advantages over chemical-based alternatives. Mineral sunscreens build a physical protective layer on the skin’s surface, providing immediate protection against UVA and UVB rays. Synthetic sunscreens, on the other hand, are absorbed into the skin and body and take 20-30 minutes to shield skin—and typically only from UVB rays. Furthermore, the same artificial ingredients that penetrate the skin have been linked to allergic reactions and hormonal imbalances.

True Natural sunscreens are free of harmful synthetics as well as parabens, emulsifiers, petroleum, phthalates, lead, synthetic preservatives and fragrances. Instead, the formulas are blended with biodegradable ingredients for protection that’s gentle on the skin, body, and earth.